In years gone by I would regularly hop on the ferry to France to search for stock - attending Vide Greniers, Brocantes and visiting local dealers. It was a nice way to buy lots of interesting and different items and enjoy some French culture at the same time.
However, due partly to Covid restrictions, I have not been able to go recently. Instead I’ve been picking up stock from French dealers who have been able to come over to the UK.
As well as the trials and tribulations of Covid, Brexit has also had a real impact on how we import antiques from the Continent. I’ve heard stories from other antique dealers about long waits at customs, reams of paperwork and complications with import tax and VAT. As well as adding complexity to the process, this has ultimately added to the cost of the items by the time they are brought into the UK.
Nonetheless the demand for French Antiques has remained high and they are still very popular. French kitchenalia, particularly enamel ware, is very desirable - items such as storage jars, jugs and bowls are both practical and decorative and look just as good in a modern setting as they do in an old country kitchen.
Vintage glassware is also popular and retro branded items such as Ricard or Pernod glasses and carafes offer a great alternative for serving after dinner drinks.
French mirrors are also popular and they have a very distinctive style. One of the most common are Louis Philip mirrors which were originally made during the reign of King Louis Philippe from 1830 to 1848. These mirrors tend to be arched in shape with a wooden and gesso frame. Gesso is a thick chalky paint mixture which dries hard like plaster and can then be painted or gilded. Most French mirrors are gilded and those with original bright gilding are most desirable.
There are some shared influences between English and French antiques but I find the styles from similar periods in time are usually quite distinct. I tend to think that French pieces are more elaborate and ornate than English, particularly when it comes to furniture.
Take the late 1700s for example; England was heading towards the end of the Georgian era under the reign of King George III. Across the channel in France Louis XVI was on the throne. Georgian furniture tends to be quite simple with clean lines, even proportions and not over embellished. In the same period the French furniture was often elaborately carved and decorated with ormolu mounts or inlaid with marquetry panels and sometimes even painted or gilded.